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How Much Does a Split System Cost to Run?

A split system costs approximately 15-50 cents per hour to run, depending on the unit size, your electricity tariff, and how hard the unit is working. A 2.5kW bedroom unit on a standard Queensland tariff costs about 15-20 cents per hour. A 7kW unit cooling a large open-plan area costs 40-50 cents per hour.

Running cost breakdown by size

Running costs depend on three things: the unit's power input (not the cooling capacity), your electricity rate, and how long the unit runs each day. **Estimated hourly running costs (Queensland tariff 11-12, ~30c/kWh):** | Size | Power input | Cost per hour | Cost per night (8hrs) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2.5kW | ~0.5-0.7kW | 15-21c | $1.20-$1.68 | | 3.5kW | ~0.7-1.0kW | 21-30c | $1.68-$2.40 | | 5kW | ~1.0-1.5kW | 30-45c | $2.40-$3.60 | | 7kW | ~1.5-2.0kW | 45-60c | $3.60-$4.80 | **Tips to reduce running costs:** - Set the temperature to 24°C, not 20°C — every degree lower adds ~10% to running cost - Close doors and curtains in the room you're cooling - Use the unit's eco mode — it cycles the compressor to save power - Clean the filters monthly — a clogged filter makes the unit work harder - Only cool rooms you're actually using (split systems' biggest advantage over ducted)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a split system cheaper to run than ducted?

Yes. A split system only cools the room it's in, so you're not paying to cool empty rooms. A ducted system cooling the whole house uses 3-5x more power than a single split system. Even with zoning, ducted costs more per hour.

Does reverse cycle heating cost more than cooling?

Generally no — heating and cooling use similar amounts of power on a reverse cycle inverter system. Inverter technology adjusts the compressor speed to match the demand, so the unit only uses as much power as needed.

What temperature should I set for lowest running cost?

24°C in summer and 20°C in winter is the sweet spot for comfort vs cost. Every degree lower in summer adds approximately 10% to running costs. 24°C feels cool enough on a 35° day.

Do Hisense units have good energy efficiency?

Yes. Hisense inverter split systems typically achieve 3-4 star energy ratings. The inverter technology means the compressor adjusts speed rather than turning on and off, which is more efficient than non-inverter units.

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